Avenal boxer Jose Ramirez donates to effort for new water storage

Champion boxer Jose Ramirez donated $3,300 on Friday to the effort to develop new surface water storage facilities in California.

Ramirez, a native of Avenal, said the money will be used to help defray the cost of his hometown’s membership in the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority.

The authority, which includes representatives of area cities, counties and water agencies, is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to coordinate and complete the feasibility study for the Temperance Flat Dam and reservoir project.

The authority will be applying for a portion of the $2.7 billion in state water bond funds.

Mario Santoyo, executive director of the authority, said it costs Avenual about $50,000 to be a member of the authority. Santoyo said Ramirez, a 2012 Olympian, has pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from his future boxing matches to help his hometown meet its obligation.